Cowdray House, West Sussex

Set within the rolling South Downs landscape, this historic estate spans an impressive 16,000 acres. At the heart of sweeping parkland, woodland and landscaped gardens lies Cowdray House: a classic English seat. Offering a rare and unforgettable country house experience, this exceptional property sleeps up to 46 guests.

With first impressions setting the tone for your stay, prepare to be wowed: you’ll arrive at Cowdray House across extensive parkland landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in the 18th century. A gravel driveway leads to this most illustrious of boltholes, with its soft-hued walls, Tudor-style entrance and picturesque turret. If you prefer to travel by helicopter, a landing pad is available in the grounds.

Though the house bears all the hallmarks of its long and refined ancestry, a heartfelt welcome awaits within. This is first and foremost a family home, so while the interior is awe-inspiring, rest assured that you’ll be perfectly comfortable putting your feet up. The owners’ priority is that guests feel at ease, so with the exception of estate offices, all rooms are open and all furniture is for your use.

As you’d imagine for a property of this scale, Cowdray House has a generous selection of rooms to relax in. Among these are a morning room, library and family room, as well as a show-stopping main hall. The dining room seats up to 60, lending itself to both lavish celebrations and intimate suppers. Across the hall, the drawing room opens onto an attractive front terrace, and out to the pristine croquet lawn beyond.

Cowdray is majestic, but throughout the house, you’ll find that time – and a shared perspective on luxury – hasn’t stood still. Modern features and facilities complement the timeless, from high-speed WiFi and indulgent toiletries to kitchen gadgets including a Nespresso machine. While you’re here, challenge your party to a friendly game of billiards or bowling, or start the day with a swim in the indoor pool. From May to September, you can also choose an open-air dip in the heated outdoor pool.

The house’s 24 bedrooms – 22 en-suite doubles and two singles – are set across the first and second floor. Each offers views over the parkland, the South Downs landscape, or the romantic Tudor ruins of an earlier house. Double rooms feature a king or super-king bed, while all include robes and slippers to help you unwind. Whether you prefer wood panelling and a magnificent four-poster or the luxury of your own dressing room, you’re sure to find a spot that feels like home.

Outside, there are 110 acres of private gardens and parkland to explore, including a tennis court, croquet and lawn games. And, to complete the feeling that this is your own rural seat, the wider estate is entirely at your disposal. This means you’ll have the freedom of thousands of acres in which to roam, as well as the option to try a wealth of countryside pursuits. Cowdray is an active sporting estate hosting shooting, fly-fishing, and professional polo and golf lessons, alongside mountain biking, walking and foraging. Or, if you prefer a gentler pace, you’ll find therapy rooms, meditation and weekly wellness classes.

Unmistakably grand but wonderfully unstuffy, Cowdray House is a unique setting for group breaks. Here, you can bring together your family and friends for a stay that’s restful, revitalising and refreshingly different. Perhaps you’re celebrating something special, or perhaps you’re simply looking for time together; whatever the occasion, we're sure you’ll be talking about this for many years to come.

*Cowdray House is an exceptional property and bookings work a little differently here. Stays are organised on a bespoke basis, so that each can be tailored to your exact preferences. If you’re interested in booking, or would like to know more, just let us know and we’ll be able to help.